Impact resistant surface insulation tile for a space vehicle and associated protection method

Abstract

An impact resistant insulation tile is provided that is capable of withstanding the impact of Micrometeriods and Other Debris (MMOD). The tiles are secured to an exterior surface of a Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV). A durable coating is applied to the exterior surface of a thermally insulative layer to fragment and slow down MMOD that collide with the tile. In addition, a shock layer may be embedded within the thermal insulator to further reduce the size and speed of MMOD particles. A ballistic strain isolator pad may also be located between the thermal insulator and the RLV structure to capture fragmented particles.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001] The present invention relates to tile components that provide both thermal and impact protection for a reusable launch vehicle such as the space shuttle.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002] A reusable launch vehicle (RLV), such as the space shuttle, repeatedly travels into or beyond the earth's upper atmosphere and then returns to the earth's surface. During flight, the RLV experiences extreme temperatures, ranging from -250.degree. F. while in orbit to nearly 2500.degree. F. upon reentry to the atmosphere. Because of the extreme temperatures, the vehicle and its contents must be protected by a thermal protection system.[0003] Thermal protection systems for RLVs are constructed from a large number, usually several thousand, of insulation tiles. The tiles function to insulate the vehicle from the environment and to radiate and reflect heat from the vehicle. In addition to protecting the vehicle from environmental heat sources, the insulation tiles also provi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012] In light of the foregoing background, the present invention provides an impact resistant insulation tile, and an associated method of protection, which protects an RLV from both extreme temperatures and the impact of MMOD. The impact resistant insulation tiles may completely cover the RLV or may be strategically placed in certain areas that pose a greater risk to the RLV if damaged.

[0013] The impact resistant insulation tile of the present invention is designed to reduce the kinetic energy of MMOD that collide with the RLV, thereby reducing the risk of serious damage to the RLV. This is accomplished by incorporating a layer or layers of material within the tiles that are capable of breaking apart objects that collide with the RLV. This process not only reduces the mass of these objects, it also reduces their velocity. As a result, the kinetic energy of the objects is significantly reduced.

[0014] The impact resistant insulation tile includes a durable coating applied to a surface of a thermal insulator. MMOD that collide with the impact resistant insulation tile are broken into smaller particles and their velocity reduced by the durable coating. According to one embodiment of this invention, a shock layer is embedded within the thermal insulator. MMOD that penetrate the durable outer coating with sufficient energy will continue to travel through the thermal insulator and impact the shock layer. The shock layer further fragments the MMOD particles, reducing the threat of damage to the RLV. Preferably, the velocity of these smaller particles is reduced sufficiently to prevent them from traveling completely through the thermal insulator and reaching the RLV structure. The fragmented particles that do reach the RLV structure pose a significantly lower risk of serious damage due to their reduced mass and velocity.

[0016] Therefore, the tile of the present invention not only thermally insulates the RLV during flight, but also advantageously protects the RLV from MMOD. In this regard, MMOD that impact upon the tile are fragmented by the tile and captured by the SIP before impacting the RLV, thereby potentially increasing the life of the RLV and reducing maintenance costs. As a result of its construction, the tile is generally lightweight so as not to unnecessarily add to the weight of the RLV. Although the tile of the present invention is most commonly used on an RLV, the superior thermal and impact resistance properties of the invented tile could be utilized in any myriad of applications requiring a low density, highly insulative material.

Problems solved by technology

The impact resistant insulation tiles may completely cover the RLV or may be strategically placed in certain areas that pose a greater risk to the RLV if damaged.

This process not only reduces the mass of these objects, it also reduces their velocity.

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